But total output from the three small stainless steel tanks has been limited to just 100 litres a week - enough to supply a few select outlets and make some cellar-door sales - in what they described as "a controlled descent through our savings".

With support from neighbours, who have served as taste testers, and various outlets that have stocked their product, they were encouraged to step up the operation.

They now plan to move into part of the former Vitafoam factory in Upper Hutt and import upsized brewing equipment from California. From July they are looking to brew 1800 litres a week.

It is a big shift from the rumpus room behind their garage as well as a big change in direction for the couple, who bought their Lizard Lounge Graphics visual effects business with them when they migrated from Boston, in the United States, 10 years ago.